Driver dead, officer shot after police chase on interstate

October 30, 2017

SENATOBIA, Miss. (AP) — Authorities say a Tennessee man shot dead after a high-speed chase in Mississippi was wanted following his wife’s death last week.

Forty-six-year-old Eric Higgs was shot after police chased him for miles on Interstate 55 Sunday afternoon at speeds up to 125 mph (200 kph). The chase ended when Higgs crossed into oncoming traffic south of Senatobia, causing multiple wrecks.

Tate County District Attorney John Champion tells WREG-TV that police ordered Higgs to raise his hands, but that “movement in the vehicle” led officers to fire. It’s unclear who shot Higgs.

Martin, Tennessee, police found 48-year-old Barbara Higgs dead Wednesday morning in the couple’s home, after officers were sent to check on her when she didn’t arrive for work.